When he's not on tour with the Stones, he is much in demand as a speaker on forestry and wildlife management. In addition to serving on the Board of the Georgia Conservancy, Leavell has published two books, Forever Green and Between a Rock and a Home Place that detail his passion for conservation.

"For a long time, we've been putting the cart in front of the horse in terms of forest and wildlife management," he said. "Now it appears to be turning around. I was very encouraged by the passage in 2002 of the Healthy Forest Restoration Act. This was probably the largest piece of bi-partisan legislation ever passed. It had nothing to do with politicians and everything to do with understanding the care of the land."

Leavell's longleaf restoration efforts on Charlane have yielded big benefits for wildlife and especially quail. Keeping the stands open allows sunlight to reach the forest floor. This not only encourages the longleaf pine to grow, but also allows grasses and legumes to sprout. These plants, in turn, provide quality food and hiding places for quail and other species.

Each year, Leavell burns up to 50 percent of the property to keep the forest open, discourage unwanted growth and encourage the natural grasses and legumes to sprout. They also plant lespedeza and partridge pea, both native wildlife foods that come back well after a burn.

"It's amazing what kind of seeds will lie dormant for long periods of time and then open up and germinate after a fire," he explained.

Hunters who visit Charlane experience firsthand how smart forest management has translated into good wildlife populations. It is an operation that strives to "sell memories." The idea is to provide outstanding habitat, great hunting conditions and excellent food and accommodations.

BETWEEN ROCK AND A HOME PLACE
For more in-depth details of the multiple careers of Georgia's own rock-and-roll conservationist, check out Chuck Leavell's new autobiography, Between Rock And A Home Place. Signed copies are available for $24.95 from the on-line store at www.charlane.com.

Most of the quail on the property are pen-raised birds, though hunters do encounter a wild covey now and again.

"Even when you're providing great habitat, like we're doing, and spending lots of time and lots of money, the results are disappointing," Leavell laments of their efforts to increase populations of wild birds. "I'm beginning to think that unless you have 5,000 to 10,000 acres of land, it's difficult to do much.

"Still, if you put in the habitat, the quail will come. Maybe not in the numbers we wish they would, but they will come," he added on a more upbeat note.

Another inconvenience that Chuck Leavell has to face in working on wildlife habitat and his woodlands are the interruptions of his other life. Last summer he had to head for Toronto, Canada to begin rehearsals with the Rolling Stones before embarking on yet another world tour. Rose Lane travels with him on portions of such tours, which slows their efforts at Charlane.

"I absolutely look forward to getting back," Chuck said. "But what I've learned is that you get the essential things done before the tour starts, so that when I go away for a year, I can do so with a good conscience."

Leavell added that he has always loved the outdoors, though not necessarily because he got to spend a lot of time there.

"As a musician, I was always following that," he pointed out.

When at home on Charlane Plantation, however, Leavell has all the things he loves around him. With his family, an on-site recording studio, the bird dogs, longleaf forest and the quail, Chuck Leavell wants for nothing. He is a man who is comfortable in his own skin, whether on stage with the Rolling Stones or on horseback at Charlane.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION
For complete details and rates at Charlane Plantation, visit their Web site at www.charlane.com. Any specific questions about quail, deer or turkey hunts should be sent via e-mail to plantation manager Mike Hattaway at charlanemanager@mindspring.com.